Rd 6. 186 Zachary Thomas, OL - San Diego State

[The Cooler King]

Probably a G, but played tackle.

Podcast/stream I'm listening to likes this one too. Thinks hell compete for a starting spot at RG as things stand.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/zach-thom ... 02b0aacfb3

[mmmc_35]

Yes another high athletic score guy. Big body. Good pick.

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

Watching some of this kid's highlights. WOW. Yes he played for SDSU in a 2nd tier conference, but he got great mobility, and is able to perform terrific combo blocks and gets to the 2nd level really quickly. If you're talking about a stretch G in a zone blocking scheme, this is your guy.

[IE]

I understand he had an injury & then had to fight back and re-earn his starting spot. I liked watching him talk about how he & his brother watched the draft together and he was drafted not too long after his bro (DE).

[thunderspirit]

I loved this pick.
A lot.

Scouting reports:
SI.com
Bleacher Report
The Draft Network

https://ras.football/ras-information/?PlayerID=21637

UOK EDIT: no bypassing paywalled content

[Bearfacts]

I would agree that he's likely to be competing for the starting RG spot. He has the run blocking rep we want there. But like the other later round OL picks you can never be certain of how these guys will turn out so it's good that we drafted two LT types who'll likely end up playing in the NFL as OG provided they survive camp and preseason. Ya' gotta like his athleticism.

[TheWorldBreaker]

Interesting comment from the guy who many consider to be the best offensive line guru.

[Xee]

Interesting comment from the guy who many consider to be the best offensive line guru.

Oh man, this just reminds me of the Bradley Sowell experiment.

[wab]

Interesting comment from the guy who many consider to be the best offensive line guru.

Oh man, this just reminds me of the Bradley Sowell experiment.

Nah, they actually had Sowell drop 40lbs and move positions. This is just talking about lining him up there on goal line and short yardage plays. Much like Bars used to do.

[TheWorldBreaker]

Interesting comment from the guy who many consider to be the best offensive line guru.

Oh man, this just reminds me of the Bradley Sowell experiment.

He’s not suggesting he convert to TE he’s suggesting that his run blocking is so good right now that he could be a contributor there immediately.

His pass blocking technique will need to be refined for him to be a starter though.

[thunderspirit]

Oh man, this just reminds me of the Bradley Sowell experiment.

He’s not suggesting he convert to TE he’s suggesting that his run blocking is so good right now that he could be a contributor there immediately.

His pass blocking technique will need to be refined for him to be a starter though.

Less so at guard than at tackle, but yeah.

[The Cooler King]

If he's that special in the run game, I think he's the favorite to start, because I think we're running a lot this year.

Probably run a ton out of 11 and pass a ton out of 12 personnel, counterintuitively.

[wab]

If he's that special in the run game, I think he's the favorite to start, because I think we're running a lot this year.

Probably run a ton out of 11 and pass a ton out of 12 personnel, counterintuitively.

Yeah, I think as of right now, he's the starting RG. It's early, but he seems to really fit what they want to do.

[IE]

That's friggin awesome if he can start at RG out of the box.

[Mikefive]

If he's that special in the run game, I think he's the favorite to start, because I think we're running a lot this year.

Probably run a ton out of 11 and pass a ton out of 12 personnel, counterintuitively.

Yeah, I think as of right now, he's the starting RG. It's early, but he seems to really fit what they want to do.

Have a seat, Sam.

[Moriarty]

I forgot to name him, but he was on my short list of late OL to hit.

I'm not expecting much this year, but maybe next.

[IE]

I forgot to name him, but he was on my short list of late OL to hit.

I'm not expecting much this year, but maybe next.

I thought of him too but forgot to mention it.

Seriously though - I like his tape and his demeanor. I get a little Kyle Long vibe from him.

[thunderspirit]

I forgot to name him, but he was on my short list of late OL to hit.

I'm not expecting much this year, but maybe next.

I'm a big fan myself. I think he's going to be a surprise contributor.

[G08]

I'm pleasantly surprised that Poles drafted OL with traits he likes and thinks can be developed. I was worried he'd be focused on burning high picks on these dudes.

So far so good -- let's see how it plays out!

[Xee]

This was a tweet made before his combine time was official and it actually ended up being 1.65. Braxton had almost the same 40 time and ran a 1.69 so it just shows that Poles definitely had a type he was going after in the draft.

[G08]

This was a tweet made before his combine time was official and it actually ended up being 1.65. Braxton had almost the same 40 time and ran a 1.69 so it just shows that Poles definitely had a type he was going after in the draft.

Yep, since we're going to be an outside zone team we will value athletic offensive linemen over physical maulers.

[wab]

This was a tweet made before his combine time was official and it actually ended up being 1.65. Braxton had almost the same 40 time and ran a 1.69 so it just shows that Poles definitely had a type he was going after in the draft.

Yep, since we're going to be an outside zone team we will value athletic offensive linemen over physical maulers.

Honest question - I wonder if Borom makes the team?

[thunderspirit]

Yep, since we're going to be an outside zone team we will value athletic offensive linemen over physical maulers.

Honest question - I wonder if Borom makes the team?

I mean, he's demonstrably better than Davenport has shown to be lately, so I imagine, even if Smith comes in and grabs the LT position by the throat, at the least Borom becomes the swing tackle.

[wab]

Honest question - I wonder if Borom makes the team?

I mean, he's demonstrably better than Davenport has shown to be lately, so I imagine, even if Smith comes in and grabs the LT position by the throat, at the least Borom becomes the swing tackle.

I just wonder about his long term future given the fit. Or lack of fit.

[G08]

Yep, since we're going to be an outside zone team we will value athletic offensive linemen over physical maulers.

Honest question - I wonder if Borom makes the team?

I think if he wants a shot at sticking around he's going to have to get down to 315 lbs, which I believe he was near before we had him bulk up last season.

Dude's got a basketball background and is very nimble on his feet so I could see him surviving. Worst case scenario maybe he's a swing tackle but I think he can lock down LT or RT.

Quick and lazy comp between Larry Borom and David Bakhtiari (23 lbs lighter):

1.81/2.90/5.15 1.77/2.94/5.09
08'07" broad 08'05" broad
8.04 cone 7.70 cone


What I love most about this upcoming season is that it's put-up-or-shut-up for the entire roster (perhaps save for Justin Fields). Everyone should be coming in motivated and wanting to succeed. If they don't, there's the door.